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Living the Dream

On Saturday I visited Messiah College to celebrate their latest original picture book art acquisition from my first picture book BIRD, written by Zetta Elliott. Over the years I have had a few inquiries about the original art for Bird, but I always declined because I wanted to keep the artwork together. The Ruth E. […]

For the past three years now I have joined The Highlights Foundation as a faculty member for their annual summer camp. It’s an amazing opportunity for authors and illustrators to learn more about the business of picture books. Participants have a chance to be mentored by published authors and illustrators while they work on manuscripts […]

I’ve always been an all or nothing type of person. As a kid I would play outside in the hot sun all day until I would be attacked by a crazy migraine and my mom would have to place cold compresses on my head and soothe me until I’d eventually throw up. Now, I know […]

This week marks the release of “Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington’s Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away; Young Readers Edition”. In this incredible narrative, Erica Armstrong Dunbar reveals a fascinating and heartbreaking behind-the-scenes look at the Washingtons when they were the First Family—and an in-depth look at their […]

It’s the last day of 2018, which also means it’s the last day that we can donate to our favorite organizations and declare it on this year’s taxes. I ask that you consider donating to two organizations that are dear to my heart, The Highlights Foundation and I, Too Arts Collective. Both organizations are committed […]

The second half of 2018 was full of wonderful happenings. I spent time mentoring great talents at The Highlights Foundation this summer, I presented my work at Hollins University, I participated in an amazing show titlted “Telling a People’s Story: African American Children’s Illustrated Literature” at the Miami University at Oxford, and spent time sharing […]

We’re slowly awakening from our long winter slumber. This time of year is always especially motivating for me and I’m sure it is for most creative people. Here are a few classes over at Craftsy that might help fertilize those ambitions! Enjoy! The Art of the Picture Book Sketchbooks: Drawing the Everydayfrom: Craftsy Drawing Essentials: […]

It has been a fantastic and busy season over here in the studio! First off, I helped launch an exhibition of my work at The Highlights Foundation!! How cool is that?? This year, my linocuts from A Child’s Book of Prayers and Blessings will be on display at the barn. I will be back up […]

Saturday, April 21 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. ~ Shadra Strickland (Illustrator) Positivity and Fulfilling the Dream Strickland works to promote self-affirmation and validation for African-American children in order to encourage positivity. Through her work, and her ultimate goal as a picture book author and illustrator, Strickland believes her work is about teaching children how to live their […]